From 1994 to now, a portion of Jonesboro Road was considered state route 920. That temporary highway number, though it’s doubtful one ever saw it on a roadside sign, is no more. Georgia DOT is returning the road to local authorities.
State Route 920 extended between the McDonough town square and SR 54 in Fayetteville. Major junctions were I-75 and US 19 / 41. With the future plans to four-lane the corridor delayed until the late-2030s, Georgia DOT has opted to remove the SR 920 designation.
Jonesboro Road / SR 920
According to Wikipedia, the SR 920 designation first appeared in July 1994. The intent behind the temporary designation was so state funds could pay to widen the highway. This would better connect McDonough and Fayetteville. When complete, state route 81 would change to follow the new four-lane highway. This has never materialized.
Instead, only one section has been widened over time. The roadway between I-75 and downtown McDonough is now four lanes. This finished in 2020 with the one-way pair project. Other state funding, to widen the road between I-75 and SR 54, is not in the budget until the 2030s. The section from I-75 to US 19 / 41 has state funds to start construction in 2035. Similarly, the section from 19 / 41 to SR 54 is in 2038.
Because of the state timeline delay, Henry County sought local funds for the project. Transportation SPLOST is paying for widening work between I-75 and North Mt. Carmel Road. The project expects to begin road work in 2025. Future SPLOST programs may consider additional work further west.
The Effect
Georgia DOT communicated to Henry County in June 2023 they would be removing the state route 920 designation. As such, maintenance and oversight of the roadway will revert to the local governments. This includes both Henry County and the city of McDonough locally. Each respective party will become responsible for the street maintenance in their area.
In addition, the local governments now oversee how to manage the road. Consider for example the decision whether to modify a traffic light. The intersection of Jonesboro Road and Willow Lane — and the lack of a northbound left-turn light — has been a hot topic among residents. Prior to now, modifying the light required state approval. Now, the county can decide how best to improve the light.
On August 1, Henry County hired an engineer to look at the intersection in question. Their design plans will take an estimated four months to complete. Afterwards, the county can look to implement upgrades at the light.
Featured image shows a map of SR 920. Georgia DOT photo.
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